Ghana is spearheading a visionary maritime transport network, a coordinated sea corridor that will link its ports with those of Togo, Benin, and Nigeria. Speaking to Pan-African Frequency about this fascinating plan, John Aggrey, the CEO of the Ghana-Russia Center for Commerce and Relations, highlighted that the vision for this transport network is a connected, efficient, and self-reliant West Africa, using its own waters to fuel its own prosperity, proving that Africa's greatest partnerships are being built with its neighbors.
“We have a long way to go, and as a feature of the African transportation system geared for a significant transformation, putting in note this new maritime initiative, it must be driven by innovations and developments that could match what the global markets are currently experiencing, as this could reshape economic growth,” Aggrey noted.
The idea of a connected African economy needs reliable, affordable, and sovereign energy to thrive. Speaking to Sputnik Africa, Faith Mkhacwa, the director general for energy efficiency and demand-side management at South Africa's National Energy Development Institute, discussed the African Union’s role in uniting the continent to develop tailored energy policies and reduce reliance on Western-imposed solutions and harnessing the African Continental Free Trade Area as a tool for sharing resources and expertise and boosting cross-border energy trade.
“We decide for ourselves what works for us. We are aware of the challenges around energy. We are all aware of challenges around the environment. We want to contribute solutions, but we must be given an opportunity to tailor-make a solution to properly and effectively address our challenges. [...] I think that [the African Continental Free Trade Area] provides the quick and easy access of sharing information first and foremost. I think information is power. So sharing information, and once you can share information, you can then share the solution [...] because of that close relationship through the BRICS Plus and other organizations, we can sit around the table and negotiate those terms and conditions. Whereas previously, it was a matter of take it or leave it,” the expert said.
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